The Meditation Center

Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and via Zoom: Kirtan with Chris Young - February 2, 2023
2023-02-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and via Zoom – February 2, 2023
Kirtan with Chris Young

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Guided Hatha Yoga with Sig Martell
7:00 p.m.: Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Kirtan with Chris Young
8:30-8:40 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us for an evening of kirtan and chanting with Chris Young to celebrate Love, the ancient traveler.
Join Chris in this kirtan, it being an opportunity, a vehicle, to receive an experience of Beauty; a time to drop the worry and the hurry, set aside the intellect, and simply be… with people who are beautiful, in a setting that is beautiful, and with beautiful music.

“Kirtan is a spiritual practice that originated in India centuries ago. The word “kirtan” means singing, chanting, and praising the Divine. It is a sacred practice anyone can do; no special training is required. The music does the work for you, carrying you to a state of tremendous joy and mental clarity…

…But the most important instrument in kirtan is the voice,’There is a sacredness in everyone’s voice. It is like hearing your own soul’, shares Milwaukee-based kirtan wallah Ragani. who leads one of the largest ongoing monthly kirtan events in North America. Your voice comes from within; it is uniquely yours. Unlike an instrument which acts on you, emanating from the outside in, the voice acts internally, emanating from the inside out. When you sing kirtan, you can literally feel the sound resonating inside you. ‘massaging’ your inner organs with sacred mantras…”

(Kirtan! Chanting as a Spiritual Path. pages 7 and 9)

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.

Full Moon Meditation Via Zoom with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) - February 5, 2023
2023-02-05 21:00 - 22:00
Full Moon Meditation
Sunday, February 5, 2023
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CST

This Full Moon Meditation will begin guided by Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma), then followed by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.

Swami Ritavan Bharati has said, “The full moon meditations are an opportunity for us to come together in connecting with the universal mind-field bringing unity, harmony, peace, and love. Go into your silence; exhale-release, inhale-accept, forgive and fulfill, with purified heart and mind receive the blessings of the Lineage.”

“You are lovingly invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, ‘Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise..'” (Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org January 2023 newsletter).

Everyone is welcome!
O

AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom with Chris Young - February 8, 2023
2023-02-08 19:00 - 20:00
New AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom
with Chris Young
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
We will meet every other Wednesday to recite the mantra together.
For those that would like to practice together the japa of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra, we will meet every other Friday with Chris Young via Zoom. Chris will guide us in the recitation of 1 mala of the new mantra and then tell stories and tales from the life of Ganesha.

Gaṇeśa Gāyatrī Mantra Recitation by Swami Veda Bharati (108 times) can be heard here.

If you would like to learn proper recitation of the Gaṇeśa Gāyatrī Mantra and the Mother Gāyatrī prayer, Pandit Priyadarsana (Pierre Lefebvre) has shared word-by-word slow recitations, which can be heard here.

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: An Evening with Michael Smith "Signs of Spiritual Progress" - February 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – February 9, 2023

An Evening with Michael Smith
“Signs of Spiritual Progress”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Chris Young
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Paul Emerson Ph.D.
7:30-8:30 p.m.: An Evening with Michael Smith
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Swami Veda’s most recent book – just published in India last week – is titled Signs of Spiritual Progress. Those who attend the Sunday Morning Book Study received an advanced copy to read, and they realize what a profoundly wise and inspirational book it is.

There is a prayer Swami Veda sometimes quoted in his talks at The Meditation Center:

May the wicked become good.
May the good become enlightened.
May the enlightened ones enlighten others.

Many of us have been contemplating these things. We wonder: “What can one do to make the wicked become good?” “How do the good become enlightened?” “What do the enlightened ones do to enlighten others?” Signs of Spiritual Progress, answers those questions.

It is a compilation of some of Swami Veda’s most intimate talks in which he shares insights from his own inner explorations — “I am speaking to you out of my personal self-experiments.”

Signs of Spiritual Progress is filled with various practices to refine one’s personality and “polish our egos.” — “Remove the dust from the clean, clear mirror of your mind and all your problems will be solved. Then the Yamas and Niyamas will develop automatically.”

In this path of self-effacement, quietude, and inner stillness, how far can the honing-down and polishing go?

Maybe all the way.

This Thursday Michael will share some of his recent understandings of Swami Veda teachings in relation to Signs of Spiritual Progress.

Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: "Shivaratri, A Celebration of the Many Aspects of Shiva with Stephen Parker (Stoma) - February 16, 2023
2023-02-16 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – February 16, 2023
“Shivaratri, A Celebration of the Many Aspects of Shiva”
with Stephen Parker (Stoma) PsyD, E-RYT 500
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Susan Guthrie

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Stephen Parker (Stoma) PsyD, E-RYT 500

7:30-8:30 p.m.: An Evening with Stephen Parker (Stoma) PsyD, E-RYT 500

“Shivaratri, A Celebration of the Many Aspects of Shiva”

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Wherever there are Shiva temples, that Shiva there has a name. The ashram temple for Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama is named: Sadhakesvara, the Lord of the sadhakas – those who are aspiring to become as Shiva, those who are aspiring to know the truth of “Shivoham”. Within the walls resides “Sphatika-Jyotir-Linga” – ‘the linga of light’. The Temple and Crystal Lingam were given these names at the first consecration. As a meditation temple, here, a sadhaka performs their interior mental worship – manasa-puja. In this meditation, one dissolves all identification with name and form. Through pralaya, one withdraws his/her conscious identity with body, with senses, with sense-objects, with memories of the experiences of sense objects, so as to become that very jyotir-linga as Shivo ’ham – I’m Shiva, jyotir aham – I am a being of light.

Everyone who performs a worship to Shiva says – Shivo ’ham – I Am Shiva. Then, if you are Shiva, who is the worshipper? Who is the worshiped? This mystery is unveiled only when one truly enters “within”. In this internal worship – manasa-puja, each external devolute is dissolved into its corresponding cause. As our consciousness dissolves the external forms and as awareness moves into subtler and subtler energies, all that remains is the causal body – linga-matra, and then alinga – just an amorphous form of light, an amorphous form of the presence of energies. That subtlest form of divine being is called the linga – just an indication of a mere presence – like a crystal lingam. That is why in our Shiva temple you will find the crystal-lingam. It has no head, face, senses, arms, legs – they have all been dissolved and absorbed into the linga-matra the ‘mere presence’ of light reflected in the crystal. Shivo ’ham – I’m Shiva, jyotir aham – I am a being of light. (redacted from Swami Veda).

Hatha Yoga Cancelled at TMC - Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only: "Ayurvedic Self-Care for the Winter Season" with Cynthia Gran, February 23, 2023 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
2023-02-23 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only – February 23, 2023
“Ayurvedic Self-Care for the Winter Season”
with Cynthia Gran
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Cancelled – Gentle Hatha Yoga with Eric Ness

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Emilio Bettaglio

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Ayurvedic Self-Care for the Winter Season” with Cynthia Gran

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us for timely techniques to stay warmer and healthier through late winter and into early spring. We’ll cover a few basics of Ayurveda, emphasizing its winter principles, exploring techniques that include herbs, aromatherapy, and foods with recipes! We will learn about a deep relaxation posture to benefit many systems of the body at once. There will be time for a few questions at the end. No prior understanding of Ayurveda needed.

Thursday Satsang In-Person at TMC and Via Zoom: "Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering" with Sunita Gangopadhyay - March 2, 2023
2023-03-02 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In-Person at TMC and Via Zoom – March 2, 2023
“Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering”
with Sunita Gangopadhyay
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering” with Sunita Gangopadhyay
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Join Sunita Gangopadhyay for a synopsis of the events and experiences at the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering 2023.
Sunita Gangopadhyay, President of The Meditation Center, has been associated with The Meditation Center since 2006, and was initiated in the tradition in 2011. Native of India, Sunita moved to the US in 1987 for graduate studies (Physics). She has had a keen interest in spirituality, meditation, and yoga for many years. Teachings of the Himalayan Tradition as well as Sunday Satsang with Michael Smith and Jim Nelson have immensely helped deepen her practice and navigate through a busy home and work life. Whenever she gets an opportunity, she visits the SRSG Ashram at Rishikesh, India. One of her passions is to take the learning of the tradition to a wider part of the community as well as be of greater service to the center for years ahead. Sunita is married and has two children. She was an Executive in Research and Development department of Seagate Technology.

Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2023-03-05 08:20 - 09:30
Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation
with Swami Radha Bharati
8:20 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.
Join for Morning Prayers: 8:20-8:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Meditation: 8:30-9:15 a.m.

Join Swami Radha Bharati on Zoom for a guided meditation on Sunday from 8:20 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Global Full Moon Meditation - Will begin guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati - March 7, 2023, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
2023-03-07 21:00 - 22:00
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Via Zoom
Global Full Moon Meditation
9:00-10:00 p.m.

This Full Moon Meditation will begin guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati,
then followed by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.
Swami Ritavan Bharati has said, “The full moon meditations are an opportunity for us to come together in connecting with the universal mind-field bringing unity, harmony, peace, and love. Go into your silence; exhale-release, inhale-accept, forgive and fulfill, with purified heart and mind receive the blessings of the Lineage.”

“You are lovingly invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, ‘Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise..'” (Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org January 2023 newsletter).

Everyone is welcome!

AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom with Chris Young - March 8, 2023
2023-03-08 19:00 - 20:00
New AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom
with Chris Young
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
We will meet every other Wednesday to recite the mantra together.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ।

“Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”
Om, Gam, salutations to Lord Ganesha

Gayatri Prayer

गायत्री मातः। हे गुरो। श्री गुरो।
सद् बुद्धिं मे प्रयच्च।
चित्तं मे निर्मलं शान्तं प्रसन्नं भूयात्।
सर्वे मे भावाः शुध्यन्ताम्।
मैत्री भावनया क्षमां याचितुं आत्मबलं मे देहि।
ॐ तत्सद् ब्रह्मार्पणम् अस्तु॥

gāyatrī mātaḥ | he guro | śrī guro |
sad buddhiṁ me prayacca |
cittaṁ me nirmalaṁ śāntaṁ prasannaṁ bhūyāt |
sarve me bhāvāḥ śudhyantām |
maītrī bhāvanayā kṣamāṁ yācituṁ ātma balaṁ me dehi |
om tat-sad brahmārpaṇam astu ||

Mother Gayatri, Oh Gurudeva, Shri Gurudeva
Grant me pure buddhi.
May my mind become immaculate, quiet, peaceful, clear and pleasant.
May all my emotions be purified.
Grant me the spiritual strength to ask for forgiveness with a sentiment of amity.
Om. That (alone is) Real.
May (all this endeavor) be (accepted as my) surrender and offering to Brahman.

Chris will guide us in the recitation of the Gayatri Prayer and of 1 mala of the new mantra,”Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”.

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.

Thursday Satsang In-Person at TMC and Via Zoom: "Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering Part II" with Returning Pilgrims - March 9, 2023
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In-Person at TMC and Via Zoom – March 9, 2023
“Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering”
with Returning Pilgrims
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Summary of the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering” with Returning Pilgrims
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Join the TMC returning pilgrims for stories their experiences at the SRSG Global Sangha Gathering 2023.

Postponed until April - "Science of Breath" Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration Workshop with Mary Bowman-Cline, ERYT-500 and Paul Emerson Ph.D
2023-03-11 09:30 - 12:00
Postponed until April…
“Science of Breath”
Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration Workshop
with Mary Bowman-Cline, ERYT-500 and Paul Emerson Ph.D

Saturdays: March 11 and 18, 2023
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Details and registration coming.

Paul and Mary will share their knowledge of the Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration through various learning methods. In this two-week class you will make muscles out of clay, practice and learn pranayama, and the science/physiology of breath.

Yoga teachers and teachers-in-training may use this class towards Yoga Alliance continuing education hours and HYT-TTP students can earn 5 A&P hours.

Kirtan with the "Temple of Light" at The Meditation Center on Saturday, March 11, 2023 - 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $10-$15
2023-03-11 19:30 - 21:00
Kirtan with the “Temple of Light”
at The Meditation Center
Saturday, March 11, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $10-$15

Temple of Light has been offering Kirtan in and around the Twin Cities community since 2015. Please join us for an evening of devotional music, prayer, and community. We will serve and share food after the kirtan.

Join the new Temple of Light for a kirtan March 11th, 7:30 p.m., at The Meditation Center.
631 University Ave NE, Mpls. You may park across the street in the church parking lot.

Image: Temple of Light on New Year’s Eve at St. Paul Yoga. Courtesy of Temple of Light’s Facebook page.

Hybrid Meditation I : Learning the Basics with Paul Emerson, Ph.D. and Chetna Tandon - Tuesdays: March 14 – April 18, 2023
2023-03-14 18:30 - 20:00
Hybrid Meditation I : Learning the Basics
with Paul Emerson, Ph.D. and Chetna Tandon
After you register for this class, you will receive the zoom link the day before the class begins.
If you would like to retake Meditation I at half the cost please email us at info@themeditatationcenter.org.
Hybrid Class on Tuesdays: March 14 – April 18, 2023
An In-Person Option and a Zoom Option Are Being Offered
Instructors: Paul Emerson, Ph.D. and Chetna Tandon
6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $75.00
Section 1: (live at the Meditation Center, can zoom when you can’t make it)
Section 2 (zoom only):
Register here
This class introduces the student to the basics of meditation in the Himalayan Tradition. Relaxation techniques, pranayama (yogic breath), ideal sitting postures, and the use of mantra will be taught to help the student focus the mind and relax the body. Beginning Raja yoga philosophy is also included in this class. Treat yourself to the many benefits of a regular meditation practice.
Paul Emerson is a biomedical engineer with a Ph.D. He is the authority on the physiology of breathing for The Meditation Center and has been teaching yoga for over 30 years. Paul has worked as a research scientist, has been a manager of clinical research with a major biomedical company and a university instructor. In addition, he holds eight patents in the areas of dialysis and sleep therapy. he is a scholar of ancient yoga texts. Paul was certified by the Rockford School of Yoga and began teaching in 1975.
Chetna has been part of the Himalayan Yoga tradition for three generations in her family. She attended a 200-hour yoga retreat in 2014 and since then has been teaching at The Meditation Center. Chetna is currently a Level-2 student in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Program.

Via Zoom Only Because of Weather Forecast for Icy Roads - Thursday Satsang Via Zoom: "Panel Discussion and Q&A with Members of the Spiritual Committee and Senior Teachers" - March 16, 2023
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only – March 16, 2023
“Panel Discussion and Q&A with
Members of the Spiritual Committee and Senior Teachers”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Cancelled – Gentle Hatha Yoga with Susan Guthrie
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Panel Discussion and Q&A with Members of the Spiritual Committee and Senior Teachers
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Join a panel of senior teachers for a lively discussion and on the problems and promises of keeping a meditation practice. How does one keep meditation “fresh”? Why aren’t I “enlightened” yet? What are the tricks for keeping a regular meditation time? Am I making spirtual progress? What does spiritual progress look like, feel like? What is the meaning of the new Ganesha mantra? What are the subtle aspects of the new Ganesha mantra?

These and other questions brought to the gathering will be answered.
Formulate your own particular questions now for Thursday Satsang.

To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $15.00) for Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.

Note: There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Navaratri Celebration via Zoom with Emilio Bettaglio and Chris Young - March 22, 2023
2023-03-22 19:00 - 20:00
Navaratri Celebration via Zoom with Emilio Bettaglio and Chris Young
Wednesday: March 22, 2023
7:00 p.m. CDT
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT

Yoga philosophy suggests that this entire universe, of which each of us is a part, is a manifestation of pure consciousness. In manifesting the universe, this pure consciousness seems to become divided into two aspects, neither of which can exist without the other. One aspect is conceptualized as masculine and is depicted as being absorbed in the deepest state of meditation—a state of formless being, consciousness, and bliss. This aspect is called Shiva. The other aspect of the pure, non-dual consciousness is a dynamic, energetic and creative part that is called Shakti. She is the Great Mother of the universe, and from her, all forms are born. Shakti is the subtlest of forces, and she manifests herself as the entire universe—including matter, life and mind.

From Path of Fire and Light by Swami Rama, Volume 2, Chapter 10

In our Himalayan Yoga tradition, this dynamic and creative force as the Great Mother and all her attributes has a prominent place in our practice. She is invoked, worshipped and inspires the deepest level of devotion.

Join Emilio Bettaglio and Chris Young at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22nd for a Chaitra Navaratri Puja to pay homage to and invoke Mother Divine. After the puja, the audio recording of Swami Vada reciting the 1,000 names of Lalita will be played.

Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing: "A Tribute to Swami Veda's 90th Birthday" with Swami Ritavan Bharati - March 23, 2023
2023-03-23 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing – March 23, 2023

“A Tribute to Swami Veda’s 90th Birthday”
with Swami Ritavan Bharati
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Eric Ness

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ritavan Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.:” Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of Swami Veda’s Birthday”
with Swami Ritavan Bharati

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Swami Veda Bharati 90th Birthday tribute 24 March 2023 is a remembrance and marks the beginning of an era. We all cherish and embrace the loving sentiments Swami Veda shared saying: “Tonight you filled me with such love. Everything that you have given me tonight, I will keep it filled inside me. But I have one desire yet unfulfilled. If you really wish to honor me, wish to love me, do two things for me. This, I am saying to my students. First, love each other. You all love this Swami, but you don’t love each other. If you want to love me, love each other. Secondly, make yourself adhikarin so that the knowledge coming down from thousands of years of tradition can be passed on and can continue.

And the third condition, if you want to love me, meditate. That is our true relationship. Silent love is the best love in the universe. And my master, Swami Rama said “Love is the Lord of All.” And today you have shown that love. But I would be happy when you show that love to each other. I thank you all, thank you all from the depth of my heart. God bless you.”

On Thursday join Swami Ritavan in recalling the life and teachings of Swami Veda. He will also introduce the beginning of an era called: Transitions in Transformation – Entering our Decade of Sanctity: 2023-2033. Swamiji’s message describes the process and purpose of Transitions and Transformation, and invites all to engage in listening to the inner call of the self.

Swami Rama has said in “Sadhana, the Path to Enlightenment”, that when a person is on the path of self-transformation (Sadhana), she/he comes in touch with the higher potentials within.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only: "Food Sadhana - Part I" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy. on March 30, 2023 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
2023-03-30 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – March 30, 2023
“Food Sadhana Part I”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Food Sadhana – Part I” with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m. – Snacks

Always a lively topic, join us for this discussion of food and diet practices. Rather than following a prescribed diet from outside, we’ll reflect on how to develop a diet that is personal, flexible, and intuitive. Part I will cover mindful eating and the elements of a balanced diet.

“The yoga approach to health is extremely simple, logical, and practical. It lays stress on the words Yuktahar viharasya – eating and living as they should be done. By simply studying one’s own capacity and learning how to regulate one’s dietary habits, external activities, and thinking process, it is possible for one to gain control over his life and remain healthy. This does not mean that one must do anything unnatural or impossible; there need not be restrictions, but given the information in these lessons, one can decide what is best for himself, and implement whatever changes he chooses, practicing them according to his own capacity.” – Swami Rama, A Practical Guide to Holistic Health, pp. 5-6

Gary Gran CYT, DAy. is a certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner trained in the Himalayan tradition since the 1970s. He lives and practices in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Cynthia. He has published more than seventy articles on Ayurveda and yoga. His blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

Read “Food Sadhana Part 1 Mindful Eating” here by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.

Read “Food Sadhana Part 2 Balanced Diet” here by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.

AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom with Chris Young - April 5, 2023
2023-04-05 19:00 - 20:00
New AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom
with Chris Young
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
We will meet every other Wednesday to recite the mantra together.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ।

“Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”
Om, Gam, salutations to Lord Ganesha

Gayatri Prayer

गायत्री मातः। हे गुरो। श्री गुरो।
सद् बुद्धिं मे प्रयच्च।
चित्तं मे निर्मलं शान्तं प्रसन्नं भूयात्।
सर्वे मे भावाः शुध्यन्ताम्।
मैत्री भावनया क्षमां याचितुं आत्मबलं मे देहि।
ॐ तत्सद् ब्रह्मार्पणम् अस्तु॥

gāyatrī mātaḥ | he guro | śrī guro |
sad buddhiṁ me prayacca |
cittaṁ me nirmalaṁ śāntaṁ prasannaṁ bhūyāt |
sarve me bhāvāḥ śudhyantām |
maītrī bhāvanayā kṣamāṁ yācituṁ ātma balaṁ me dehi |
om tat-sad brahmārpaṇam astu ||

Mother Gayatri, Oh Gurudeva, Shri Gurudeva
Grant me pure buddhi.
May my mind become immaculate, quiet, peaceful, clear and pleasant.
May all my emotions be purified.
Grant me the spiritual strength to ask for forgiveness with a sentiment of amity.
Om. That (alone is) Real.
May (all this endeavor) be (accepted as my) surrender and offering to Brahman.

Chris will guide us in the recitation of the Gayatri Prayer and of 1 mala of the new mantra,”Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”.

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.

Global Full Moon Meditation - Will Begin Guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati - April 5, 2023, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
2023-04-05 21:00 - 22:00
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Via Zoom
Global Full Moon Meditation
9:00-10:00 p.m. CDT

This Full Moon Meditation will begin guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati,
then followed by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.
Swami Ritavan Bharati has said, “The full moon meditations are an opportunity for us to come together in connecting with the universal mind-field bringing unity, harmony, peace, and love. Go into your silence; exhale-release, inhale-accept, forgive and fulfill, with purified heart and mind receive the blessings of the Lineage.”

“You are lovingly invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, ‘Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise..'” (Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org January 2023 newsletter).

Everyone is welcome!

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only: "Food Sadhana - Part 2" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy. on April 6, 2023 , 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CST
2023-04-06 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – April 6, 2023
“Food Sadhana Part 2”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Chris Young

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Food Sadhana – Part 2” with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m. – Snacks

Always a lively topic, join us for more discussion of food and diet practices. In our constant search for food, we often overlook the impact of food on our energy level. In this session, we’ll expand our concept of mindful eating and take a close look at the sattvic diet favored by yogis.

“When eaten in a regular and balanced manner, when not overeaten, food is a source of energy. Overindulgence in food de-energizes us. Food eaten in moderate amounts leaves less residue to block the energy channels of the body. One of the most debilitating and de-energizing factors causing inertia is the residue of foods left in the body which are not properly assimilated or cleaned out. Irregular eating, constant nibbling and eating between meals do not allow the system sufficient time to rest, assimilate and clean house. If the dead cells and phlegmatic flows are not eliminated, if the putrid stuff just lying in the internal organs is never removed, a de-energizing, debilitating, tamasic influence is exerted on the nerves and the mind.” – Swami Veda Bharati, Himalayan News, April 1978

Gary Gran CYT, DAy. is a certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner trained in the Himalayan tradition since the 1970s. He lives and practices in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Cynthia. He has published more than seventy articles on Ayurveda and yoga. His blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

Read “Food Sadhana Part 3 “Expanding Mindfulness” here by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.

Read “Food Sadhana Part 4 “Sattvic Diet” here by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.

Cancelled- Happy Easter - Sunday Book Club / Satsang via Zoom with Swami Radha Bharati, Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
2023-04-09 10:00 - 23:30
Cancelled – Happy Easter!
Sunday Book Club/Satsang via Zoom
with Swami Radha Bharati, Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Swami Radha, Jim, and Michael will continue the study of spiritual topics in 2023. The Book Club is now reading “Signs of Spiritual Progress” by Swami Veda Bharati.

Thursday Satsang In-Person Viewing at TMC and Via Zoom: You are the Light! The Inner Light is Here! "Appo Deepo Bhava" with Swami Ma Tripura Shakti Bharati - April 13, 2023
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In-Person Viewing at TMC and Via Zoom – April 13, 2023

You are the Light! The Inner Light is Here!
“Appo Deepo Bhava”
with Swami Ma Tripura Shakti Bharati

Showing of Swami Ma Tripura Shakti’s talk during
the closing session of the 2023 Sangha Gathering at SRSG.

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sunita Gangopadhyay
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Showing of Swami Ma Tripura Shakti Bharati’s talk during
the closing session of the 2023 Sangha Gathering at SRSG.
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Join us on April 13th for a showing of Swami Ma Tripura Shakti’s talk during the closing session of the 2023 Sangha Gathering at SRSG.

An excerpt from Swami Ma Tripura Shakti’s talk… “And the theme of this [is] Inner Light! Sometimes it appears quite weak. Sometimes it appears even lost. But let’s see if right now, here, as you’re feeling the physical temple [while] sitting, as you’re feeling the prana and the breath cleansing and nourishing this temple, cleaning it — as your thoughts are allowed to go, whatever they are, good or bad doesn’t matter, and the mantra somewhere is roaming around there too, reverberating in the inner temple in the sanctuary — that right here, in the depth, in the core of being itself, this Light is.

As Swami Veda said in the title of the book that we all shared, [in] many languages, the poem of his, it is like ten thousand suns. And even if you feel it right now just a little — like a little flame, something is whispering, something is calling you, like a little Deepak in your heart — can you be with it right now? Can you be in awe of it? Can you hold it in as best as you can in your awareness right now, as the most precious thing that is? But it is not even a “thing” — please forgive my language. It is not whatever; [it is] the most precious existence!

AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom with Chris Young - April 19, 2023
2023-04-19 19:00 - 20:00
New AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom
with Chris Young
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
We will meet every other Wednesday to recite the mantra together.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ।

“Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”
Om, Gam, salutations to Lord Ganesha

Gayatri Prayer

गायत्री मातः। हे गुरो। श्री गुरो।
सद् बुद्धिं मे प्रयच्च।
चित्तं मे निर्मलं शान्तं प्रसन्नं भूयात्।
सर्वे मे भावाः शुध्यन्ताम्।
मैत्री भावनया क्षमां याचितुं आत्मबलं मे देहि।
ॐ तत्सद् ब्रह्मार्पणम् अस्तु॥

gāyatrī mātaḥ | he guro | śrī guro |
sad buddhiṁ me prayacca |
cittaṁ me nirmalaṁ śāntaṁ prasannaṁ bhūyāt |
sarve me bhāvāḥ śudhyantām |
maītrī bhāvanayā kṣamāṁ yācituṁ ātma balaṁ me dehi |
om tat-sad brahmārpaṇam astu ||

Mother Gayatri, Oh Gurudeva, Shri Gurudeva
Grant me pure buddhi.
May my mind become immaculate, quiet, peaceful, clear and pleasant.
May all my emotions be purified.
Grant me the spiritual strength to ask for forgiveness with a sentiment of amity.
Om. That (alone is) Real.
May (all this endeavor) be (accepted as my) surrender and offering to Brahman.

Chris will guide us in the recitation of the Gayatri Prayer and of 1 mala of the new mantra,”Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”.

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only: "Ayurveda Study Group, The Origin of Ayurveda" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran on April 20, 2023 , 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – April 20, 2023
“Ayurvedic Study Group: The Origin of Ayurveda”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran, E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Susan Guthrie

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Ayurveda Study Group: The Origin of Ayurveda
” with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran E-RYT 500, YACEP

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m. – Snacks

Please join us for the first meeting of our Ayurvedic study group. All are welcome. We’ll begin our study with Chapter One of the Charak Samhita, a classic textbook of Ayurveda. We’ll read the key sutras, provide some commentary, and allow time for discussion. Chapter One is called ‘The Quest for Longevity’ and includes sutras that establish the basic principles and practices that define Ayurveda. It also includes the story of the origin of Ayurveda that begins like this:
“When diseases cropped up creating impediments to long life, religious vows, sacred studies and duties relating to living beings, the holy great sages, full of compassion for all creatures, assembled in one of the auspicious valleys of the Himalayas.”

Cynthia and Gary Gran have been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. They met at the old Glenview Center in Illinois and have served the Tradition in various capacities over the years. They are both certified yoga teachers and Ayurvedic practitioners. Gary and Cynthia have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. They are currently enjoying desert gardening, cooking, and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona.

Cynthia Gran, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.

Gary’s blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

EARTH DAY 2023 - Saturday, April 22nd 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. A nature walk guided by Nikki Strong Ph.D.
2023-04-22 09:00 - 10:30
EARTH DAY 2023
Saturday, April 22nd
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
A nature walk guided by Nikki Strong Ph.D.

Walk in the woods to the sacred grounds of Laughing Waters (Minnehaha Falls), Coldwater Springs, and the Mississippi River Gorge.

We will start at 9 a.m. at Minnehaha Falls on the bridge crossing Minnehaha Creek (see park map) at Minnehaha Regional Park.

Celebrating Earth, our home… in Meditative Contemplation… the beauty and special energy of this unique place…

Please dress for the weather… sturdy walking shoes or boots… etc.

The park is easily accessible by light rail from downtown Minneapolis and by the Minneapolis/St. Paul city bike trail system… for those driving there is both convenient pay and also free parking nearby.

For more information visit the TMC Events Page at: TheMeditationCenter.org.

For any questions contact Nikki at nikkistrong@me.com.

In honor of Earth Day we will also bring some small compostable bags and gloves to collect any bits of litter that we find at the Coldwater Springs location… one of our stops along the hike…something small that we can do to better take care of our precious home…Mother Earth.

Super Deluxe Organic trail mix snacks provided…

No registration necessary!!!

Kirtan with the "Temple of Light" at The Meditation Center on Sunday, April 23, 2023, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $10-$20
2023-04-23 18:00 - 19:30
Kirtan with the “Temple of Light”
at The Meditation Center
Sunday, April 23, 2023
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $10-$20

Temple of Light has been offering Kirtan in and around the Twin Cities community since 2015. Please join us for an evening of devotional music, prayer, and community. We will serve and share food after the kirtan.

Join the new Temple of Light for a kirtan on April 23rd, 6:00 p.m., at The Meditation Center, 631 University Ave NE, Minneapolis. You may park across the street in the church parking lot of St. Boniface Church.

Suggested donation: $10-$20

Image: Temple of Light on New Year’s Eve at St. Paul Yoga. Courtesy of Temple of Light’s Facebook page.

Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: Hiking Pilgrimage in the Himalayas Joshimath, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers with Renée Silvus - April
2023-04-27 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – April 27, 2023
Hiking Pilgrimage in the Himalayas
Joshimath, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers
with Renée Silvus
7:00 – 8:30 p.m
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Eric Ness
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.:Hiking Pilgrimage in the Himalayas Joshimath, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers
with Renée Silvus
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Consider how you understand pilgrimage. We may think of a journey to a sacred destination, or a journey walking along a sacred route. The Sanskrit for Pilgrimage is Irta Yatra. Irta refers to a connection point to layers of consciousness, while Yatra is journey. This reminds us how pilgrimage includes an internal sacred journey as well.
Northern India is saturated with shrines, peaks, streams, and paths. It isn’t supposed to be easy. The harrowing roads hug steep and unstable mountainsides. You may have to hike longer than expected, choose between a helicopter or donkey, and navigate monkeys and donkey dung.
Join us for another account and vivid slideshow of the recent excursion with the Himalayan Institute. There are wide vistas, steep trails, camping, endless waterfalls, and all kinds of shrines. See an archetypal town right out of a western, and enjoy a sunny day tromping into the spectacular Valley of Flowers.
Renée lives in the mountains of McCall, Idaho where she teaches, coaches, facilitates, and manages a retreat venue and a co-working/event space. Renée was initiated at SRSG in 2016 by Swami Radha, studied with Dr. Ganasan at Sadhana Mandir, and served a month of seva at the Himalayan Institute. Renée is currently completing the first in a series of short books on reading Henry D. Thoreau.

"Science of Breath" Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration Workshop with Mary Bowman-Cline, ERYT-500 and Paul Emerson Ph.D
2023-04-29 09:30 - 12:00
“Science of Breath”
Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration Workshop
with Mary Bowman-Cline, ERYT-500 and Paul Emerson Ph.D
New Date – Saturday: April 29, 2023

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CDT

Cost for the Saturday workshop: $40.00

Limited to 10 participants

Register here.

Paul and Mary will share their knowledge of the Anatomy and Physiology of Respiration through various learning methods. In this Saturday class you will learn about the muscles of respiration, practice and learn pranayama, and the science/physiology of breath.

Yoga teachers and teachers-in-training may use this class towards Yoga Alliance continuing education hours and HYT-TTP students can earn 2 1/2 A&P hours.

AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom with Chris Young - May 3, 2023
2023-05-03 19:00 - 20:00
New AHYMSIN Community Mantra Japa Practice via Zoom
with Chris Young
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
We will meet every other Wednesday to recite the mantra together.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ।

“Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”
Om, Gam, salutations to Lord Ganesha

Gayatri Prayer

गायत्री मातः। हे गुरो। श्री गुरो।
सद् बुद्धिं मे प्रयच्च।
चित्तं मे निर्मलं शान्तं प्रसन्नं भूयात्।
सर्वे मे भावाः शुध्यन्ताम्।
मैत्री भावनया क्षमां याचितुं आत्मबलं मे देहि।
ॐ तत्सद् ब्रह्मार्पणम् अस्तु॥

gāyatrī mātaḥ | he guro | śrī guro |
sad buddhiṁ me prayacca |
cittaṁ me nirmalaṁ śāntaṁ prasannaṁ bhūyāt |
sarve me bhāvāḥ śudhyantām |
maītrī bhāvanayā kṣamāṁ yācituṁ ātma balaṁ me dehi |
om tat-sad brahmārpaṇam astu ||

Mother Gayatri, Oh Gurudeva, Shri Gurudeva
Grant me pure buddhi.
May my mind become immaculate, quiet, peaceful, clear and pleasant.
May all my emotions be purified.
Grant me the spiritual strength to ask for forgiveness with a sentiment of amity.
Om. That (alone is) Real.
May (all this endeavor) be (accepted as my) surrender and offering to Brahman.

Chris will guide us in the recitation of the Gayatri Prayer and of 1 mala of the new mantra,”Om Gam Gaṇapataye Namaha”.

Chris Young was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Tradition in 2005, but has been connected with The Tradition in some way since birth, with his parents being early members and faculty of The Meditation Center in Minneapolis. Chris occasionally leads Kirtan at the Meditation Center’s Thursday satsang, and helps with some IT aspects of the HYT Teacher Training Program. Chris finds the thread of yoga and meditation that has been taught through the Tradition and its teachers, and cultivated through practice, to always keep him returning to his heart’s path – the path of Yoga – and he is grateful to be a part of the local and global communities that are working to further the mission of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. He is the father of two amazing boys, he enjoys singing and playing music, and is ready to help with your ocular asanas through eye-roll-inducing dad jokes.
